Canadian Founder Exodus: Mena Maimone on Leaving Canada, Building in the U.S. and Visa Strategies

How AI Is Reshaping Careers, Salaries, and Hiring with Mateo Polic

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Mateo Polic, founder of one of Canada’s leading recruitment firms, to unpack what is really happening in today’s hiring market. From AI-generated resumes and shrinking salaries, to the growing gap between senior talent and younger operators, Mateo shares what he’s seeing from thousands of job applications and placements across sales, tech, marketing, and executive leadership. Mateo also opens up about his journey from Croatia to Canada, the lessons he learned from playing professional basketball, and why persistence, adaptability, and human connection matter more than ever in the AI era. Together, Aaron and Mateo explore entrepreneurship, hiring, leadership, sports, and the future of work in a rapidly changing economy. Chapters:  01:38 – How AI Changed Job Applications and Recruiting  03:43 – Why Most Applicants Struggle to Stand Out Today  05:57 – The Human Skills That Still Win in Hiring  08:49 – The Highest Paying Jobs in 2026  10:15 – Which Roles Are Losing Salary Value Fast  12:14 – The Truth About High Paying Sales Careers  15:05 – How Employees Are Feeling About AI and Work  16:07 – Why Morale in Canada Is Rapidly Declining  19:28 – Mateo’s First Experience Moving to Canada  21:29 – Why Top Canadian Founders Are Leaving  25:57 – AI, Global Talent, and the Future of Competition  27:26 – The Jobs AI Is Already Replacing  29:00 – Why Senior Employees Are Under Pressure  31:54 – The Growing Age Gap in the Workforce  34:04 – How AI Is Changing Career Longevity  36:47 – Why More People Are Becoming Entrepreneurs  38:17 – The Rise of Fractional Executives and Gig Work  40:53 – The Hidden Cost of a Bad Hire  42:29 – How Great Companies Actually Hire Talent  45:32 – The Recruiting Lessons Founders Need to Learn  48:13 – Building Teams Through Trusted Relationships  52:35 – Sports, Discipline, and Success in Business  54:41 – What Team Sports Teach You About Leadership  56:10 – Why Effort and Consistency Matter More Than Talent Guest Links: LinkedIn: Mateo Polic [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mateopolic/] Instagram: @mp21cro [https://www.instagram.com/mp21cro?igsh=YW5rYzk5NWt5ZzBs] If you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaron [https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaron] Stay Connected! Aaron Spivak: IG: @‌Spivak [https://www.instagram.com/spivak/] Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-spivak1/] The Founders Club IG: @‌TheFoundersClub [https://www.instagram.com/thefoundersclub/] Website www.foundersclubofficial.com  [https://www.foundersclubofficial.com/] Founder2Founder: TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@founder2founderpodcast] Youtube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKqcsrehnT78pKq9srJiLuw]

How Amanda Marino Helps Founders Heal Trauma and Build Emotional Resilience

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Amanda Marino, certified Life and Empowerment Coach, TEDx speaker, Emmy-nominated TV personality, and founder of Next Level Wellness and Behavioral Health. Amanda shares her journey from surviving childhood abuse, family trauma, and years of self-destruction, to building a life rooted in healing, service, and resilience. Amanda opens up about the realities of trauma, addiction, mental health, and reinvention, while sharing the work she now does helping individuals, families, and entrepreneurs navigate their own healing journeys. This conversation explores emotional resilience, the importance of environment and community, and why giving people the space to be heard can completely change the trajectory of their lives. Chapters:  01:02 – Amanda Marino’s Journey Through Trauma and Resilience  02:40 – Childhood Abuse, Survival, and Early Trauma  05:53 – The Lasting Impact of Feeling “Not Good Enough”  08:07 – Self-Destruction, Rebellion, and Seeking Escape  09:30 – Turning Pain Into Purpose and Helping Others Heal  11:52 – Mental Health, Addiction, and Eating Disorders Today  13:32 – Where the Healing Process Actually Begins  16:59 – Amanda’s Approach to Family Interventions and Recovery  19:43 – The Power of Listening and Holding Space  22:58 – Lessons Learned From High-Stakes Interventions  24:39 – Similarities Between Wealth, Trauma, and Addiction  27:46 – The Importance of Ongoing Self-Work and Therapy  29:26 – Gratitude, Healing, and Breaking Generational Cycles  31:29 – Resilience, Reinvention, and Creating a New Life  32:42 – The Mentors and Relationships That Changed Amanda’s Life  35:44 – Why Some People Struggle With Other People’s Success  38:10 – Learning Discernment in Relationships and Friendships  41:46 – Seasons of Life, Growth, and Personal Evolution  42:42 – Manifestation, Belief, and Creating Bigger Opportunities  46:31 – Parenting, Emotional Intelligence, and Giving Kids Space  49:39 – Why Community and Support Systems Matter  52:00 – Vulnerability, Masculinity, and Emotional Growth  53:22 – Amanda’s Message to Her Younger Self  55:02 – Amanda’s Mission to Help Others Heal and Rebuild Guest Links: Website: https://amandamarinospeaks.com/ [https://amandamarinospeaks.com/] https://www.nextlevelwellnessbh.com/ [https://www.nextlevelwellnessbh.com/] Instagram: @amandamarinoofficial [https://www.instagram.com/amandamarinoofficial?igsh=dDdmMTFiZ3ZlZnh2&utm_source=qr] TikTok: @amandamarinoofficial [https://www.tiktok.com/@amandamarinoofficial?_r=1&_t=ZT-95tqQhte0eE] LinkedIn: Amanda Marino [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-marino-b-s-cip-clc-crc-69858685?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios] If you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaron [https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaron] Stay Connected! Aaron Spivak: IG: @‌Spivak [https://www.instagram.com/spivak/] Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-spivak1/] The Founders Club IG: @‌TheFoundersClub [https://www.instagram.com/thefoundersclub/] Website www.foundersclubofficial.com  [https://www.foundersclubofficial.com/] Founder2Founder: TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@founder2founderpodcast] Youtube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKqcsrehnT78pKq9srJiLuw]

How Men Can Process Emotions and Become Better Leaders with Nachman Forer

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Nachman Forer, co-founder of Anochi, a transformational community helping men step into deeper connection, emotional awareness, and aligned leadership. Nachman shares his journey from a challenging upbringing and years of internal struggle to building a thriving marriage, raising 11 children, and guiding thousands of men through personal growth. This conversation explores what it really means to take responsibility as a man, from navigating relationships and emotional triggers to redefining strength through vulnerability. Nachman breaks down the tools that changed his life, including breathwork, men’s groups, and daily self-check-ins, while offering a grounded perspective on parenting, anxiety, and breaking generational patterns. Chapters: 01:52 – Early Life, Rebellion, and Searching for Meaning  04:30 – Struggles in Marriage and Emotional Triggers  06:54 – The Workshop That Changed Everything  07:52 – Transforming Marriage and Family Life  09:53 – Message to Men Feeling Stuck or Lost  12:14 – Why Men Need Space, Not Solutions  13:35 – The Role of Masculinity and Responsibility  16:42 – The Power of Men’s Groups and Sharing  18:39 – Breaking Free from Parental Conditioning  20:03 – Turning Pain Into Power  22:58 – Healing Family Dynamics and Inclusion  25:25 – Letting Go of Resentment and Control  27:06 – Introduction to Breathwork  30:35 – Using Breathwork as a Daily Tool  32:00 – Overcoming Severe Anxiety Without Medication  35:30 – Why Anxiety Can Be Your Greatest Teacher  39:30 – The Problem Is the Solution Mindset  42:09 – Applying Emotional Work to Business Challenges  44:41 – Slowing Down to Scale Effectively  47:50 – Personal Growth and Relationship with Money  49:58 – Parenting, Growth, and Self-Awareness  52:27 – Learning from Your Children  55:56 – Letting Kids Fail and Build Resilience  59:04 – Final Thoughts on Growth and Masculinity Guest Links: YouTube [https://youtube.com/@findinganochi?si=zuVOxXvgpxyOdgER]Instagram: @findinganochi [https://www.instagram.com/findinganochi/] If you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaron [https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaron] Stay Connected! Aaron Spivak: IG: @‌Spivak [https://www.instagram.com/spivak/] Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-spivak1/] The Founders Club IG: @‌TheFoundersClub [https://www.instagram.com/thefoundersclub/] Website www.foundersclubofficial.com  [https://www.foundersclubofficial.com/] Founder2Founder: TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@founder2founderpodcast] Youtube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKqcsrehnT78pKq9srJiLuw]

How Founders Can Use AI to Boost Efficiency and Scale with Mo Moahid

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Mo Moahid, a seasoned entrepreneur and AI expert, to explore the power of artificial intelligence in scaling businesses. Mo shares his unique journey from competing as part of Team Canada in equine sport to building and exiting multiple businesses. His deep understanding of discipline, scale, and technology has shaped his approach to business and AI, culminating in the launch of Zero-to-Agent, where he helps businesses implement AI solutions that actually stick. Mo's story is a masterclass in leveraging technology for practical solutions. He dives into how AI can remove friction from business processes and the importance of creating systems that thrive at speed. With over $100 million in ad spend experience and a background in both e-commerce and events, Mo explains how to effectively integrate AI into your business for real impact, not just novelty. If you’re a founder looking to make AI work for your company, this episode is filled with actionable insights and strategies. Chapters:  02:45 – From Horseback Archery to AI: Mo’s Unique Path  04:10 – Why Every Business Should Have a Chief Agent Officer  06:30 – The Power of AI Agents in Scaling Your Business  08:05 – Overcoming the Overwhelm of AI Models: Choosing the Right Tools  10:20 – The Three Types of AI Models Every Business Needs to Know  12:00 – The Importance of Organizing Your Data for Effective AI Use  15:45 – The Role of AI in Simplifying Business Operations  18:00 – Building with AI: From Small Data to Big Impact  20:20 – The Challenge of Managing Employees’ Fear of AI  22:30 – How AI Can Help Automate Marketing and Sales Tasks  26:00 – Understanding AI’s Impact on Jobs and Workforce Evolution  28:00 – How Founders Can Harness AI for Dynamic Pricing and Advertising  30:00 – The Future of AI in Business: What Founders Should Prepare For  32:30 – Optimizing Ad Spend with AI and Tools like Microsoft Clarity  34:50 – Self-Optimization Loops: AI’s Role in Continuous Business Growth  37:05 – How to Implement AI for Strategic Decision Making  41:00 – Why You Need a Strategy for AI Implementation, Not Just Tools  44:30 – Mo’s Final Thoughts on Adapting to AI’s Fast-Paced Evolution  46:10 – How Founders Can Stay Ahead and Lead in the Age of AI Guest Links: Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmoahid/.] Instagram: @killxmo [https://www.instagram.com/killxmo/] If you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaron [https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaron] Stay Connected! Aaron Spivak: IG: @‌Spivak [https://www.instagram.com/spivak/] Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-spivak1/] The Founders Club IG: @‌TheFoundersClub [https://www.instagram.com/thefoundersclub/] Website www.foundersclubofficial.com  [https://www.foundersclubofficial.com/] Founder2Founder: TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@founder2founderpodcast] Youtube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKqcsrehnT78pKq9srJiLuw]

Canadian Founder Exodus: Mena Maimone on Leaving Canada, Building in the U.S. and Visa Strategies

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with immigration attorney and founder Mena Maimone for a direct conversation about why so many Canadian entrepreneurs are exploring a move to the United States. Originally from Canada, Mena moved to South Florida nearly a decade ago, earned her J.D. from Nova Southeastern University, and built Maimone Legal with her mother into a fast-growing firm helping clients navigate the move to the U.S. Together, Aaron and Mena unpack the fears, misconceptions, and real opportunities behind relocating as a founder. From visa pathways and taxes to safety, lifestyle, and long-term freedom, this episode offers a clear look at why more entrepreneurs are making the move and what it actually takes to do it well. Chapters:  01:30 – Why Aaron Believes Canada’s Builders Are Leaving  01:32 – Mena Explains What She’s Seeing With Canadian Business Owners  03:15 – The Main Reasons Canadians Are Looking to Leave  04:41 – What a Government-Heavy Economy Means for Entrepreneurs  05:11 – The Importance of Environment, Energy, and the “Miami Effect”  06:09 – The Biggest Hurdles Canadians Think They Face  06:12 – Why Mena Says the Process Is Easier Than Most People Think  07:47 – Advice for Founders Who Want to Leave but Feel Stuck  09:04 – The Fear-Based Mindset That Keeps People From Making the Move  10:23 – The Most Common Objections Mena Hears  11:09 – Debunking the Healthcare Cost Myth  13:42 – Why the Quality of Life in Florida Feels So Different  16:47 – Why Mena Believes Canada Is Trying to Slow the Exodus  18:02 – Choosing Your Environment and What That Says About Your Future  19:31 – Aaron Shares the Home Invasion That Changed Everything  25:07 – What Founders Need to Know About the So-Called Exit Tax  28:12 – What It Typically Costs To Make the Move Properly  29:05 – How Mena’s Business Has Doubled and What Markets She’s Watching  30:00 – Why Asset Protection Matters More in the U.S.  31:10 – Tax Advantages Business Owners Often Overlook  34:41 – Building a Business With Family and Creating a Legacy  38:40 – Why the E2 Visa Is One of the Most Popular Paths  39:52 – How Long E1 and E2 Visas Last and What Renewal Looks Like  42:38 – Green Card Options for Founders Who Want a Long-Term Path Guest Links: * Instagram: @maimone_legal [https://www.instagram.com/maimone_legal/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CUk7nkpkq/] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@MaimoneLegal] If you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaron [https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaron] Stay Connected! Aaron Spivak: IG: @‌Spivak [https://www.instagram.com/spivak/] Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-spivak1/] The Founders Club IG: @‌TheFoundersClub [https://www.instagram.com/thefoundersclub/] Website www.foundersclubofficial.com  [https://www.foundersclubofficial.com/] Founder2Founder: TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@founder2founderpodcast] Youtube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKqcsrehnT78pKq9srJiLuw]